Female Characters Research Articles

A Study of Representation and Portrayal of Women in Selected Nigerian Arabic Plays

Research has shown that women are not well portrayed and un-equally represented as men in African Literature. This paper investigates how far this claim is true in relation to the Nigerian Arabic plays. The research is analytic and descriptive in nature. The study analyses the representation of women and describes their portrayal in six (6) randomly selected Nigerian Arabic plays namely; Ustadhun Ragma Anfih (A Teacher in Defiance of Him), Fi-Mash-had at-Tilifisyun (At the Television Viewing centre), Al-Dhakhirat(The Relic), Baqaaun Muqaddar (Destined to survive), As-sayyid Al-muhadir (Mr. Lecturer) and Al-Hasad (The Harvest).The result of the analyses of the characterization ,with the aid of ratio and simple percentage, reveals that women are poorly represented in all the selected plays and the examination of the roles assigned to women in the selected texts shows that women are portrayed as illiterate, evil, liars, sex toys and disobedient.This paper recommends that authors of the Nigerian Arabic plays should assign more positive roles to women in their writings to reveal some of the positive roles played by women in the society and equally put more female characters in the characterization.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Movies: The Hollywood Effect

Introduction. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases with childhood onset. Cinematic films and movies have the capability to reach populations worldwide and effect their concept of this disease. This research examined the accuracy of these movies depicting T1D from childhood into adulthood. Methods. We conducted an internet search of several databases that resulted in a list of 39 movies from 2000 to 2022 with characters that had diabetes. We ultimately assessed 13 fictional movies that dealt with management of disease, character development, access to care, and complications. Results. Movies portray severe but rare diabetes manifestations such as comas. They emphasize access to basic diabetes supplies and cost of care. Only starting in 2020, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pumps are shown. Female characters are presented as resilient and unaffected by the struggles of their T1D. Conclusions. This sample of fictional movies portrays extreme T1D symptoms and mostly outdated technology for monitoring and treatment. It would be beneficial if future movies reflected the advances in closed-loop CGM/insulin pumps. It is important for clinicians to be aware of how the movie industry is presenting the disease to their patients. Clinicians can use popular movies to start difficult discussions with their patients about topics pertinent to the comprehensive care of T1D.

Discourse of the Marginalized: A Critical Analysis of Mulk Raj Anand's The Old Woman and The Cow

Women have had lower social status in Indian traditional culture. The primary objective of the study is to critically evaluate Mulk Raj Anand’s novel The Old Woman and The Cow from a feminist perspective. By adopting this approach, the research aims to illuminate the marginalized voices within the narrative and explore the novel's treatment of gender, power dynamics, and societal norms. The analysis of the novel is grounded in feminist criticism, focusing on the portrayal of female characters, their agency, and the challenges they confront in a patriarchal society. The methodology involves closely examining the text, paying careful attention to character development, narrative structure, and thematic elements. The study reveals how Anand’s novel provides a platform for marginalized voices, emphasizing the resilience and agency of women in the face of adversity. It underscores the role of literature in challenging societal norms and advocating for social change.

Empowered by the Experience: Playing as Female Characters in Video Games

Research on female video game characters often investigates negative outcomes of playing as stereotyped characters. Yet, video games increasingly offer people opportunities to play as capable, prominent female characters that may be meaningful and promote positive outcomes (e.g., feelings of empowerment). This manuscript shares the results of a mixed methods survey of individuals (<em>N</em> = 751) recruited via online forums who recalled their experiences playing as female game characters. We analyzed qualitative response data using a traditional, top-down approach to identify themes. We focus our analysis and discussion on the results of a human-derived analysis, which indicated both positive and negative dimensions of experiences that participants found meaningful. Participants reported that taking on the role of a female character was often very important to them, but the reason for this significance varied across players. Often, these reasons involved their own gender identities and the context in which the gameplay occurred (e.g., online multiplayer). We consider findings as evidence of eudaimonic media effects.

Representation of Violence Against Female Characters in Indonesian Horror Novels

This study explores the representation of violence against female characters in Indonesian horror novels, examining how these portrayals reflect societal views on gender and power. By analyzing three popular novels, the research focuses on types of violence—physical, psychological, and symbolic—that female characters experience, aiming to uncover how these depictions critique patriarchal norms. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study uses textual analysis alongside a feminist narrative framework to interpret recurring themes and patterns within these narratives. Findings reveal that, while female characters are often portrayed as victims, they also demonstrate moments of resistance and agency, challenging traditional roles and societal expectations. This ambivalent portrayal highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of women, offering insights into the complex dynamics of gender in Indonesian culture. The study concludes that Indonesian horror novels serve as a powerful medium for social critique, using horror to comment on issues of gender-based violence and the potential for women to disrupt oppressive structures. This research emphasizes the role of literature in reflecting and challenging societal norms, particularly regarding the representation of women.

Mizgin Müjde Arslan and women’s autobiographical filmmaking

ABSTRACT Mizgin Müjde Arslan is a mid-career Kurdish filmmaker from Turkey. This interview focuses on her documentaries which are self-reflexive and auto-ethnographic. Focusing on personal stories including herself, Arslan wields a double critique of masculinist and colonialist codes of the state as well as the feudal and patriarchal codes of her community, while the complex female characters of these narratives deconstruct the common fantasy imposed by white/Western feminist discourses. During the interview, I asked questions to explore what inspired her to turn the camera to herself and her community and break the silence: I didn't like the story my grandmother and aunts had written for me. I didn't want to be a woman like that. I was able to stay sane for only one reason . The reason was I could write, dream, aim for something, and have the desire to tell. When I was young, I was certain that I would survive. I would survive and tell my story. I would tell my story to the world. Arslan continues to tell her story to the world. With the hope to contribute to her journey, I invite the reader to this interview in which we can witness the stories of the films and the filmmaker.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN IN EKA KURNIAWAN’S NOVEL CANTIK ITU LUKA

This study delves into the theme of violence against women in Eka Kurniawan's novel Cantik Itu Luka based on gender roles and violence experienced by women during and after Japan's periods of pre-independence and post-independence. The study aims to identify and analyze the various forms of violence and the underlying factors contributing to social deviance towards the protagonist, utilizing theoretical framework of cultural forms of violence by means of descriptive qualitative research to uncover the social phenomena of violence against women. The study concludes that the novel provides a profound exploration of gender-based violence, encompassing direct, structural, and cultural dimensions of violence. The protagonist embodies the trauma of direct violence witnessed during the Japanese occupation, highlighting the gender-based discrimination prevalent against women. Structural violence is evident in societal disparities, while cultural violence permeates the narrative through deeply rooted attitudes and beliefs. The novel also delves into various aspects of discrimination faced by female characters in educational, domestic, and professional settings. The intertwining of historical contexts and personal stories within the novel serves as a potent commentary on women's ongoing struggles for justice and the enduring effects of discrimination. Ultimately, Cantik Itu Luka emerges as a poignant exploration of the intricate layers of gender-based violence and the resilience exhibited by women in confronting oppression.

CRIME IN EKA KURNIAWAN’S NOVEL LELAKI HARIMAU

The novel Lelaki Harimau by Eka Kurniawan describes the life of Javanese people during the Japanese colonial period. In the novel, there are various kinds of social problems, one of which is crime. This research aims to describe the forms of crime in the novel. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques in the form of library research. The theory used is criminal psychology with a literary psychology approach to bridge the study of psychology and literature. The results of the research show that there are three forms of crime in the novel: domestic violence, sexual harassment and rape committed by the major characters. The domestic violence as well as raping is done by a husband towards his wife; something weird but that is the truth. Sexual harassment is experienced by other female characters owing to hegemony of power and money. The research shows that crime is one of the social problems that occurs in society. These crimes can be caused by various factors, such as poverty, social inequality and family conflict.

The Otherness in Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s Take My Hand

In her recent historical fiction, Take My Hand (2022), New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez explores the specific manifestations of post-slavery racism, particularly institutional racism. This is vividly portrayed through the experiences of Civil Townsend, a determined new nurse, who witnesses the systematic denial of reproductive rights and autonomy among impoverished African American females. Due to the novel being published within the last two years, there is a significant lack of extensive scholarly analysis on its critical themes. This research employs the postcolonial concept of Otherness to examine the oppression of black women in the narratives. It investigates how stereotyping and dehumanizing as facets of Otherness within a postcolonial framework, contribute to their oppression. It also gives an analysis of the causes and consequences of the practice of Othering. The study offers insights into the power dynamics between the dominant and marginalized racial groups, underscoring the persistent battle against racial stereotypes and institutional racism. The conclusions of this research underscore the notion that the ideology of Otherness is central to the oppression experienced by the African American female characters in the novel. It advocates that achieving equality involves recognizing and respecting differences ideologically.

Women in Video Games: An Analysis of the Biased Representation of Female Characters in Current Video Games

AbstractVideo games have become the largest sector of the global entertainment industry, making their cultural influence significant. This study examines gender representation in mainstream videogames in Spain across PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. Using content analysis, we analyze 313 female and male characters presented in video games. The results show a problematic representation of women in terms of quantity and quality. Women are significantly underrepresented, starring in only 17.78% of game covers and 35.29% of in-game audiovisual content, limiting their visibility and relatability for players. Furthermore, female characters are frequently relegated to secondary roles, depicted with submissive attitudes, unrealistic body types, and subjected to various forms of violence. Despite some games promoting inclusion, a tendency to masculinize female figures persists. The research underscores the impact of these patterns on children and young players’ identity formation, urging reflection on gender values in popular videogames and proposing practical solutions for educators and the video game industry to foster more equitable and diverse portrayals of women in media.

Decoding the Strands of Women Oppression in Fiction of North Eastern Women Writers: A Study of Temsula Ao’s The Night (2005), Easterine Kire’s A Terrible Matriarchy (2007) and Jahnavi Barua’s Rebirth (2010)

India had long come out of the shadows of otherisation by the West, but ironically, it had constructed its own facets of misinterpretation and otherisation of its diverse indigenous groups within the subcontinent. Northeast India is one such geographical region that have always been viewed as exotic, backward owing to the distinct cultural and traditional patterns of its numerous tribes, castes and groups, of which very little is explored by the mainstream society and hence deemed as rooted in backwardness. The region has always been entangled in the web of national, ethnic, regional identities as it seems to exist in isolation from mainland India and grapples with insurgency and the inability to accommodate long term cultural and indigenous diversity. Additionally, the cultural, ethnic ethos and norms of each indigenous group acts as an influential factor in shaping the identities of the North East Indian people. In such contexts, the women question becomes a case of double marginalisation owing to unbalanced power relations as well as patriarchal customs and rules of various indigenous groups and the perpetual militarisation and regional identity crisis in the area. The research aims to investigate the factors moulding the identity of north eastern woman from the lens of gendered subalternity, through some strong, vivid narratives with passive-strong female characters. It is an attempt to understand how the multiple social ideologies of region, ethnicity, race, gender, nation, identity overlap to delineate to hierarchal disparities in the society contributing to victimisation of women.

What Roles Do Women Have in the Political Worlds in Hamlet and Macbeth?

The purpose of this paper is to explore the important role of female characters in the political world in William Shakespeare’s tragedies Hamlet and Macbeth. By analyzing Queen Gertrude, Ophelia, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches, the paper reveals the influence of women in the political realm and the limitations they face. Centering on Hamlet, the essay begins by analysing Gertrude’s influence on the Danish political landscape and Ophelia’s dilemma in the struggle for male power. The article then turns to Macbeth to explore how Lady Macbeth’s ambitions for power and the witches’ supernatural abilities influence Macbeth’s political decisions. The article points out that despite their political potential and influence, these female characters remain constrained by patriarchy and are often seen as tools in the male power struggle. Finally, the essay summarises the common themes and differences between the female characters in Hamlet and Macbeth, and reflects on the place of women in the political world and the challenges they face. Through an in-depth analysis of female characters in Shakespeare’s works, this thesis aims to deepen the understanding of women’s experiences in political struggles, as well as their efforts to attain power and self-actualization in a patriarchal society.

The Evolution of Women's Roles and Status in Chinese Modern-Themed Films and Television Shows Between 2014 and 2024

Abstract: This paper devotes to study the changes in the role status and positioning of female characters in the context of modern Chinese film and television shows in the last ten years. This paper is based on the literature research method, case study, and comparative analysis method. Papers in related fields are studied to analyze the differences in the status and positioning of female characters in film and television works in various periods. In conclusion, this research finds that the evolution of female roles in modern Chinese film and television is a testament to the awareness and appreciation of gender diversity and female empowerment. As society continues to develop, future productions will embrace and celebrate the richness of women's careers and family lives. The film and television industry will continue to challenge and redefine traditional gender roles. The industry's response to audience feedback and the need for more realistic representations of women will elicit further innovation and diversity in the representation of female characters on screen.

“She” at the Corner of a Small Town: A Study of Female Characters in Urban Themes in Ma Jinlian’s Novels

In recent years, the focus of Ma Jinlian’s novel creation has gradually shifted from rural areas to cities. The characters in her works have also gradually shifted from rural Hui ethnic minorities to urban Hui ethnic minorities. This study focuses on the creation of urban Hui ethnic minorities in Ma Jinlian’s works, systematically combs and summarizes the female characters of urban Hui ethnic minorities in her works, and on this basis compares the images of urban Hui female characters and rural Hui female characters in her novels, examines the gender consciousness and development of female consciousness of Hui ethnic minorities in Ma Jinlian’s urban themes, and further studies the reflection and introspection of the image of urban Hui community in Ma Jinlian’s works on the living conditions of urban Hui women in Ningxia today, and explores the realistic value and universal significance of Ma Jinlian’s image of urban women from the perspective of text.

"Crazy Women" in Chinese and Foreign Literature: A Comparison of Ophelia in Hamlet and Fanyi in Thunderstorm

Ophelia in Hamlet and Fanyi in Thunderstorm are both female characters in literary works that have developed into being seen as "crazy" by others in the later stages. However, one work was created in Europe from the 16th to the 17th century, and the other in China from the 20th century. How can the similarities between these two female characters reflect the marginalization commonality of women in two different times and societies? What significance can the differences between these two roles inspire for the development of contemporary feminism? Driven by these objectives, this paper delves into two masterpieces in the literary treasure trove - Shakespeare's classic tragedy Hamlet and Cao Yu's modern play Thunderstorm and conducts a comparative study of gender roles that crosses time and space through a delicate analysis of their personalities and in-depth exploration of their experiences. At the level of "otherness", both female roles have the characteristic of lacking discourse power. However, from the perspective of her native personality, Ophelia is weaker and more passive, while Fanyi tends to be stronger and more active. Within different destinies, the two characters embarked on vastly different life trajectories. The two stories are like two prisms, reflecting the spectrum of women's survival status in the changing times. From obedience to struggle, the two characters outline an unfinished chapter about the awakening of feminism consciousness.

Replaceable Women in Patriarchy: A Reason for Susan’s Suicide in Doris Lessing’s To Room Nineteen

As an outstanding short story demonstrating female plights, To Room Nineteen of Doris Lessing discloses the oppression patriarchy exerts on women by describing the tragedy of a middle-aged female Susan restricted by patriarchal norms, owing to which the story is valuable for research. To have a deeper insight into the reasons for Susan’s suicide and more comprehensive understanding of the oppressive mechanism that male-dominant culture exercises on females, based on the focus of previous studies on Susan’s identity crisis, this paper attempts to supplement them by delving into four peripheral female characters who are short of attention yet: Mrs Parkes, Sophie Traub, Myra Jenkins and Phil Hunt, and through the analysis of their words and actions, this paper argues that they replace the patriarchy-constructed identities of Susan (a homemaker, a mother, a mistress and a sexual partner), which is an important contributor to Susan’s identity problems and subsequently her tragic ending. Regarding this phenomenon, this paper proposes a concept called replaceability, which means that the patriarchy-manufactured identities of females are replaceable, and finds that replaceability is an oppressive manoeuvre that patriarchy utilizes to govern women and guarantee the supremacy of males. Finally, this paper draws a conclusion that replaceability is a crucial factor resulting in Susan’s suicide.

Teachings of the interpretations of Malintzin in today's context

In Tres veces tres. In Malintzin's code: Nine approaches to her figure, Yasnaya revisits one of the characters with whom possibly a large part of Mexicans encounter during their early years of history class in primary school. That female character, proficient in the Spanish language, "facilitated" the interaction between the Spaniards and the inhabitants of Tenochtitlán during the conquest, from which the term "malinchista" or "malinchism" derives, denoting disdain towards things pertaining to Mexico. While the semantic process of words is the result of multiple factors within language and society, Yasnaya proposes a reclamation of the figure and name of the character from which these adjectives arise, Malintzin.

Ambiguous Women

For five seasons, Yellowstone (2018) has been polarizing on many fronts and creating an ambiguous understanding of its political agenda and positioning. This article explores the depiction of female characters as one of these fronts. With a focus on Beth and Monica Dutton, the analysis seeks to point to the ways in which female characters are presented in ambiguous ways with regard to their gender performances and their correspondence to (racialised) stereotypes. As the characters evoke notions of potential empowerment for (Native American) women, it is crucial to examine them as sites in which gender and race are being contested. Beth and Monica Dutton mirror the ambiguous political nature of Yellowstone because while both characters appear progressive at times, they also reinforce antiquated notions about gender (and race). By conceptualising Beth as a female rendition of the action hero and Monica as a modern interpretation of the Celluloid Maiden trope, this paper addresses this ambiguity and debates in how far these representations can be considered progressive or empowering. While Beth appears empowering on the surface, her reversion into traditional gender roles and her internalised sexism inhibit such empowering effect. Moreover, because of her resemblance to the Celluloid Maiden trope, the lack of depth to her character, and her inauthentic casting, Monica does little to advance the fight for empowering representations of Native American women. Rooted in postcolonial feminist culture studies, this paper discusses what makes these characters ambiguous and whether or not they can be considered empowering at all.

Form And Meaning of Javanese Woman’s Masculinity in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019)

This research aims to find out the form and meaning of Javanese women’s resistance of NyiMisni, a Javanese woman character in the film entitled “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019), and how her masculinity is reflected through the interaction between her and other characters in the film. The analysis is conducted in the context of patriarchal domination over Javanese women specifically, and Indonesian women in general. The main data is obtained from the dialog uttered by the main female character, NyiMisni, in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019) film. It is supported by secondary data from other articles that mentioned masculinity traits shown by Javanese female characters in other films. The method of collecting data used in this research is the observation method using an observation technique. The techniques conducted are watching the movie, note-taking all dialogues that contain masculinity features, and classifying the data based on the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni. The analysis is conducted using Bem’s Sex Role Inventory (1982) and the theory of symbolic interactionism by Smelser (2013. Furthermore, the speech act theory by Searle (1976) is used as the supporting theory. The findings discovered some forms and meanings of Javanese women’s resistance as the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni and how she interacts with other participants through her utterances. Female masculinity is featured in assertiveness, dominance, and aggression. Her utterance is directly conducted, yet the intention is indirect.

Internet and Cyberspace as a Means of Feminist Empowerment: A Cyberfeminist Study of Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea

This study explores the role of the internet and cyberspace, particularly through the use of emails, as a tool for feminist empowerment within Saudi Arabian society, as depicted in Rajaa Alsanea's novel Girls of Riyadh. The research aims to examine how female characters use virtual spaces to challenge and undermine patriarchal norms and expectations. By utilizing the internet's anonymity and connectivity, these women carve out a platform for self-expression, solidarity, and resistance against the oppressive structures of their society. The study finds that cyberfeminism offers a powerful means for women in conservative environments to voice their thoughts and advocate for change. Furthermore, the internet serves as a catalyst for new forms of feminist discourse and activism. The study concludes that cyberspace not only facilitates the creation of a collective feminist identity but also empowers women to redefine their roles and resist traditional societal constraints.